Smoke Wagon Small Batch is a high-rye straight bourbon from Nevada H&C Distilling Co., aged in the heart of a century-old brick warehouse and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV).
Released in 2016, it set out to solve a problem: rye ages faster than corn, so young vintages carried big rye spice but a thin mouthfeel, while older vintages were smooth and sweet but had lost the spice. The answer was to blend the two. Younger vintages keep the bold rye spice, cut the tannins and stay fruit-forward, while older vintages, matured in #4 char barrels, bring a creamy mouthfeel and sweet aromas. The bourbon is made from a high-rye mash of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley, and is non-chill filtered.
The nose is balanced oak with fruit and dried apricot. Sweet notes greet the front of the tongue, then white pepper spice from the young rye, with caramel, fruit and rye spice in balance, finishing smooth with no burn even at 100 proof.
A bold, well-balanced bourbon, it makes a fine gift.
Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or in an old fashioned.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Balanced oak, fruit and dried apricot.
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Palate: Sweet front, white pepper, caramel and rye spice.
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Finish: Smooth, no burn at 100 proof.
Specifications
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Producer: Nevada H&C Distilling Co.
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Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, high rye, Small Batch
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Mash Bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
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Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: #4 char barrels
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Region: Nevada, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or in an old fashioned. It pairs with apricot desserts, smoked meats or a cigar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why blend young and old?
Young barrels keep rye spice; older ones add creaminess and sweetness.
What is the mash bill?
60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 100 proof.
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
